Health

St. Patrick’s Home Says “Thank You” to Special Female Veteran Resident on Veterans Day

By SÍLE MOLONEY
St. Patrick’s Home Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, located on Van Cortlandt Park South in Norwood, has fifteen veteran residents and all were honored this year by way of a number of celebratory events held at the 264-bed, skilled nursing facility to mark Veterans Day.   One veteran who stood out is the facility’s only female veteran resident, 71-year-old Beverly Bowne. Bowne served in the U.S. Army from 1975 to 1978 and was a telecommunication specialist assigned to Heidelberg, Germany. According to St. Patrick’s Home representatives, Bowne had a very important duty, working as a communication specialist with the U.S.


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Health Check: The Truth About HIV: U=U

By DR. ERIC A. MEYEROWITZ
  World AIDS Day has been observed on Dec. 1 since 1988. This date is an opportunity to remember all those we lost during the HIV pandemic, and to reflect on the progress made to date in treating this virus and in diminishing stigma surrounding AIDS. Each year, our resolve to ending the epidemic once and for all strengthens.   What It Means to Have HIV in 2022 The progress scientists and physicians have made in treating HIV and preventing the spread of the virus is remarkable. In the last 30 years, treatment options have rapidly evolved. Most people living


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After Bronx Medical History is Made, HIV-Positive Heart Transplant Recipient Meets Donor Family

By RACHAEL MCCALLEN & SÍLE MOLONEY
It was an extra special Thanksgiving this year for one mother and her family. Seven months after history was made in The Bronx, an emotional meeting took place on Tuesday, Nov. 22, between the world’s first HIV-positive to HIV-positive heart transplant recipient and her donor’s family. Westchester mom, Miriam Nieves, 62, who is HIV-positive, met the mom and sisters of deceased donor, 30-year-old certified nursing assistant, Brittany Newton, who was also HIV-positive.   Newton’s family had flown in from Louisiana for the special occasion. Seven months after her surgery at Montefiore Health System, Nieves shared her gratitude for her medical


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After Some Early Funding Hurdles, The Bronx Children’s Museum Formally Opens

By ARIEL PACHECO
After operating as a “museum without walls” for more than 12 years, The Bronx Children’s Museum has finally found a permanent home in the South Bronx. Located near Yankee Stadium, along the Harlem River, The Bronx Children’s Museum is set to officially open to the public on Saturday, Dec. 3.   A long-awaited, ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday, Nov. 16, in celebration of the opening of the museum’s opening. The Bronx Children’s Museum is the first ever children’s museum in The Bronx, and event organizers estimate they will engage with 24,000 children at the facility during its first year.


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Caroling After A Stroke, Montefiore Melodies Sing Again

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Choir, Montefiore Melodies, will bring together people recovering from strokes or other neurological disorders for the first time in two years on Friday, Dec. 2. The choir will meet in person and sing songs of holiday cheer.   Led by speech pathologist, Mehak Noorani, the singers will work to improve their vocal clarity and coordination as they play with tambourines and maracas. The choir is a place of community, helping people build confidence, socialize, and feel joy during their recovery.   The event takes place on Friday Dec. 2  from 12:30 p.m. to  1 p.m. at Montefiore Moses Campus,


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Espaillat, Ocasio-Cortez Lead Efforts in D.C. to Provide Shelter for the Unhoused & Asylum Seekers

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Bronx Congress members, Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), have introduced what has been described as critical new legislation to protect housing insecure migrants and individuals. H.R.9210 aims to waive certain requirements for Community Development Block Grant amounts, used for public service activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to homelessness and emergency rental assistance needs.   In the context of the bill’s introduction, the representatives said, “Our bill will eliminate the 15 percent cap on housing public services, as stipulated in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and extend CDBG emergency grant payments from three to


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Montefiore Resident Doctors Call on Hospital to Form Voluntary Union

By ARIEL PACHECO
  Montefiore Medical Center residents and fellows requested voluntary union recognition during a press conference held outside the Norwood-based hospital, one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City, on Nov. 1. The group pointed to conditions that they say were exacerbated during the pandemic and which they say continue to persist.   Over 1,200 residents and fellows asked for better compensation, better pay, and improved benefits like improved family leave. Many say they have been overworked and understaffed. The residents also called for yearly bonuses and more support staff. Some residents say they work 80 hours a week


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Federal Authorities Recall Indigo-Branded Papa and Mama Bear Mugs Due to Burn & Laceration Hazards

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (UPC) recalled, on Nov. 23, 270 Indigo-branded “Papa Bear” and “Mama Bear” mugs sold in the U.S. with batch numbers 1220, 0621, 1021 or 0920. A further 29,232 of the mugs were sold in Canada. “Indigo” and the batch number are printed on the bottom of the mugs. The UPC number 882709402770 or 882709402763 is also printed on a white price sticker on the bottom of the mugs.   The mugs are made of ceramic, and have a white exterior with either a “PAPA BEAR” or “MAMA BEAR” decal and white animal ears on


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Federal Authorities Recall Some Bendex Disney-Themed Clothing Due to Potential Lead Poisoning Hazard

By SÍLE MOLONEY
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (UPC) recalled 87,000 units of some Bendex-branded, children’s Disney-themed clothing sets on Nov. 23, citing safety concerns.   Authorities said the textile ink painted on the recalled clothing sets contains levels of lead that exceed either the federal lead paint ban, or the federal lead content ban, posing a lead poisoning hazard. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health issues.   The recall involves Bentex children’s clothing sets in nine different, Disney-themed styles. The item and batch numbers are printed on the clothing neck or side label.  


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